Colleges by County

About Colleges

Are there requirements for a College to be considered a University?

College and University are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct terms. Generally, a University must offer a minimum number of graduate programs, which must be separate from the undergraduate programs. The institution must also have an administrative structure for managing graduate programs. A University is typically organized into several Colleges, such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, or the College of Music.

Are accrediting authorities run by the government?

No. Accrediting authorities are independent organizations that are not government agencies. Although the government does not accredit Colleges, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) does recognize accrediting agencies. Recognition by the USDOE confers a degree of credibility to an accrediting agency.

What is a Technical College?

Technical Colleges tend to emphasize skill development and credentials that prepare students for a specific field or industry. Common fields of study in Technical Colleges include the sciences, engineering, and information technology.